'I have to go see for myself.'
"Take this to the Prince." Velin pulled a black cloth-wrapped box from his coat. Inside was a handwritten copy of the documents from the Plague Workshop. "Tell His Highness to read it, then have him keep a tight rein on everyone who hasn't drunk the Holy Water yet."
The butler took the box, feeling its considerable weight.
"Understood. And you, my lord..."
"I'm going out for a bit." Velin stood up. "Don't have anyone follow me."
In a guest room on the second floor, the night grew deeper.
Xiaolan, mindful of Velin's instructions, had washed up early and changed into a set of soft pajamas. She had intended to rest up and conserve her energy for the busy day ahead, but when she actually lay down to rest, she couldn't quiet her mind.
She rolled over and buried her face in her pillow, a wave of embarrassed frustration washing over her.
Thinking back to that moment in the sky, Xiaolan felt so mortified she could die.
